The Center for Independent Living grieves the loss of Gerald Baptiste Sr., former CIL Deputy Director and pillar of the disability rights movement. Gerald Baptiste Sr. passed away in his sleep on Monday, October 12, 2026. 

Gerald was a pillar of CIL, joining our team in 1979, and going on to serve our community for over 30 years. As a Black, blind man, Gerald deeply understood the importance of bringing Black disabled people into the Independent Living movement, and the differences in culture that impacted how or if Black disabled people used independent living services.

In a 2003 interview with Kathy Matinez for Disability World, Gerald said:

“We were never asked for our definition of independence-the program and philosophy was presented as a given. Sometimes, when a Black person came through the door of a CIL, it was presumed he or she was already involved in civil rights work and would be interested in becoming a disability rights advocate. In fact, often the Black disabled client was just searching for services. Additionally, services of the IL community were often provided in a manner foreign to Black culture. For example, young, Black unmarried Americans did not often move away from their families; and only wealthy families expected to employ people outside of the family to provide personal services.”

Gerald was invited to be present for the signing of the Americans Disabilities Act in honor of his advocacy and leadership. Center for Independent Living recognized Gerald’s dedication with a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2019 Ed Roberts Awards on January 23, 2019. To celebrate the award, we created a brief video with Gerald Baptiste Senior about his work and impact.

He was also fundamental in securing the land for the Ed Roberts Campus to be built, where CIL and other disability-led organizations continue to run our programs today.

From Executive Director Dr. Victor Pineda:

“Gerald’s love for CIL and the disability community was not abstract — it was lived, every day, in the way he showed up, the relationships he built, and the work he championed. He carried the spirit of independent living with a quiet strength that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

The Center for Independent Living is a richer, stronger organization because of his presence in it, and that legacy will endure in the people he mentored, the friendships he nurtured, and the values he embodied.”

From his son, Gerald Baptiste Junior:

“My father deeply loved the Center for Independent Living and the community surrounding it. CIL meant so much to him throughout his life, and I know how much he valued the people, the work, and the movement he was privileged to be part of.”

We will share further information about memorial services as it becomes available, and we extend our sincere condolences and grief to his family and loved ones.

Memorial Service Details

In loving memory of Gerald D. Baptiste, Sr., we are sharing the following arrangements for those who wish to honor his life and legacy.

Quiet Hour

Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Harris Funeral Home Legacy Center
1331 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702

Homegoing Service

Friday, October 30, 2026

Brookins AME Church
2201 73rd Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605

Viewing: 10:00 AM
Service: 11:00 AM

Cards and Condolences

Cards and messages of condolence may be sent to:

1311 Channing Way
Berkeley, CA 94702

We invite our community to join in honoring Gerald’s memory and celebrating his life and legacy.